Recent Blog Articles
Listening to your hunger cues
Does your child need to bathe every day?
Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?
Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?
Wondering how much your medical care will cost? New rules could help
Long-lasting healthy changes: Doable and worthwhile
The sore throat checklist: What parents need to know
A new treatment for obesity
Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again
3 ways to build brain-boosting social connections
Heart Health
Imaging stress tests: A clearer view of your heart's health
Exercise tests may include special scans that evaluate blood flow to your heart.
If you have chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that suggest heart disease, your doctor may recommend a stress test. Plaque buildup in your arteries may be limiting blood flow to your heart, which is more evident when the heart is stressed. In many cases, exercise provides the "stress"—you walk or run on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. If you're unable to exercise, a pharmacologic stress test (see box) is a good alternative.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
